No minors in Formula 1, until today. It was the year 2015 when the FIA decided to change the Regulations to prevent a new “Verstappen case”. The Dutchman, seventeen at the time, made his debut at the wheel of Toro Rosso amidst many controversies that pushed the Federation to review its rules, preventing underage drivers from racing in F1. However, the rapid rise of the talent of Kimi Antonelli, already under contract with Mercedes, meant that a request to change the Regulations was presented, which was accepted by the Federation. “A driver must be at least 18 years old at the start of the event of his first F1 race. At the discretion of the FIA, a driver who has recently and consistently demonstrated exceptional ability and maturity in single-seater competition may obtain a superlicence at the age of 17,” Article 13.1.2 of the sporting code now reads.
debut kimi antonelli
—
The regulatory change thus opens the door to the debut of Kimi Antonelli, whose profile seems to respond perfectly to the description drawn up by the FIA. The Italian driver, currently engaged in Formula 2 with the Prema Racing team and still seventeen years old, has already shown his talent in the minor formulas by obtaining the champion title in Formula 4, Italian F4, Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional Europe. Williams would be the one to allow him to make the big leap, ready to replace the disappointing Sargeant already during the current season. The American was confirmed, although not without reservations, by team principal Vowles but too many errors could convince the English team to make a change while waiting to decide who will join Albon in 2025. Antonelli’s would, in reality, represent a debut anticipated, awaiting the much rumored move to Mercedes for the 2025 season in place of Lewis Hamilton.
Don’t miss the entire new season of Formula 1® and MotoGP™ live streaming only on NOW! Activate the Sports Pass from €14.99 per month and enjoy Sky sports in streaming!
mercedes strategy
—
Toto Wolff, at least in his statements, preaches calm. The Mercedes team principal’s intention is to prevent Antonelli from “jumping ahead” by making his Formula 1 debut too early. At the same time, a rather explicit confirmation of the German team’s intentions comes from the test program with the 2022 car set up for Antonelli. Kimi has already completed eight days of testing (Spielberg, Imola, Silverstone and Barcelona) and is likely to continue in the summer. Remaining, for now, with our feet on the ground, the change to the Regulation will allow Antonelli to take part in at least one free practice session before the FP1 in Monza, the first GP scheduled after his eighteenth birthday. An important first step in the dizzying climb towards the premier class.
